Connecticut health insurance premiums are rising, but support is available: What to know

Open enrollment is now underway for Access Health CT, Connecticut’s health insurance marketplace for medical and dental coverage.

Residents can choose among 22 health plans offered through Anthem or ConnectiCare Benefits Inc., the only insurers participating in the state marketplace. They can also buy a stand-alone dental plan whether or not they have health coverage through AHCT.

Last year, 157,246 people signed up during the open enrollment period, according to Access Health.

About 220,000 people in the state are expected to face average double-digit premium increases in 2027.

The Connecticut Insurance Department approved those rate hikes last month for individual and small-group plans sold both on and off the Access Health CT exchange.

After reviewing five filings from four insurers, the department approved an average increase of 11.3% in the individual market and 15.1% in the small-group market, according to CID.

The department said it reviews requested increases to determine whether they are reasonable based on projected costs. The final approved rates were lower than what insurers had sought.

“There are no winners when health care costs continue to rise at this pace,” Insurance Commissioner Josh Hershman said.

He added that rate review helps protect consumers, but it cannot solve the broader problem on its own. “We need to move beyond the annual debate over rates and address the underlying drivers of health care costs, which is why the state is advancing the work required under Public Act 26-68 to develop a more affordable and sustainable health coverage model for Connecticut,” Hershman said.

Access Health CT CEO James Michel answered questions about the enrollment period, including what the plans cover and who is eligible.

Enrollment window and help available

Open enrollment, which began in late October, continues through Jan. 15, 2027.

“Choosing health insurance can be hard, but you do not have to do it alone,” Michel said. “We are here to help. Customers can enroll online at www.accesshealthct.com. They can enroll over the phone at 1-855-805-4325. Customers who are deaf or hard of hearing may use TTY at 1-855-789-2428 or call with a relay operator. Help is available in more than 200 languages through our call center.”

Access Health is also planning enrollment fairs across the state, Michel said.

Customers can also get assistance by meeting with a mobile enrollment specialist or working with a certified broker.

How state help is offsetting the loss of federal subsidies

State officials, insurers and policy experts say higher medical and prescription drug costs are major reasons for the premium increases. They also say the end of federal subsidies that had helped lower Affordable Care Act premiums added to the pressure.

Gov. Ned Lamont responded by replacing the federal help with temporary state-funded premium assistance for 2026, with the support continuing into 2027.

“Temporary Premium Assistance has provided $1.79 million in savings for 10,597 current customers,” Michel said. “This additional financial help replaces some or all the expired federal enhanced premium tax credits for eligible Connecticut residents who purchase their health insurance through Access Health CT.”

He said households with annual income from 100% to 200% of the federal poverty level that are not enrolled in the Covered CT Program will receive help replacing 100% of the expired enhanced premium tax credits.

He also said households with annual income above 400% and up to 500% of the federal poverty level will receive aid that replaces 50% of the expired enhanced premium tax credits.

Although premiums are going up, Michel said the increases can also expand the amount of financial help available to eligible Access Health CT customers.

What the plans cover and who can enroll

Access Health’s standard plans cover 10 categories of services required under the Affordable Care Act, including preventive care, emergency room visits, hospitalization, prescription drugs and mental health services, among others.

To buy a plan through Access Health CT, a person must be a Connecticut resident, a U.S. citizen or lawfully present in the United States, and not incarcerated, Michel said.

He said Access Health does not sell plans to people who are eligible for or enrolled in Medicare. Applicants eligible for HUSKY Health and the Children’s Health Insurance Program, the state’s Medicaid program, are directed to that coverage through the application process. Eligibility rules are available on the Access Health website.

Financial help reaches most enrollees

Michel said Connecticut residents are often able to receive help paying for coverage.

“More than 80% of our customers receive some type of financial help,” he said. “Nearly two-thirds of households receiving financial help are paying $20 or less per month for their monthly premium.”

Covered CT is a state program that offers zero-cost health insurance, dental coverage and non-emergency medical transportation for eligible low-income residents.

According to Michel, people who qualify are between 19 and 64 years old and have a household income up to 175% of the federal poverty level, while not qualifying for HUSKY Health.

“For example, a couple with a household income of up to $37,012 would be eligible for Covered CT,” he said.

Michel also said eligible early childhood employees can apply for a new state subsidy to help cover insurance costs starting in 2027.

“The Early Childhood Educators Health Insurance Subsidy will provide between $1,000 and $1,200 a year to help early childhood employees lower what they have to pay for health insurance,” he said. “This financial help is in addition to other federal and state assistance they may be eligible for. This will help prevent child care professionals in our state from having to choose between the healthcare they and their families need and their passion for teaching young children during a critical stage of growth and development. We estimate this subsidy will help lower health insurance costs for about 7,200 to 8,000 educators.”